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CNA Classes in California 

California is one of the largest states in the United States and holds of some of the largest cities in the country. San Bernardino is the largest county in the state and in the entire country, and Los Angeles is the one of the most populated citites in the United States. This large state has a significant need for trained CNAs. Many nursing and long-term care facilities do not have enough fully trained CNAs to support their patients. Many CNAs will need to be hired in order to meet the demands of medical care in California. Therefore, getting CNA classes in appropriate state facilities is an excellent choice for those looking for a rewarding career. In California, CNAs make some of the highest salaries in the country, at an average of $43,570 per year, as compared to the national average of $36,220.

CNAs in California must complete approved programs, pass the appropriate exams, and have background clearance. Those who wish to start CNA classes must be at least 16 years old. Prospective CNAs must complete a specific number of course hours before graduating from a CNA program. In some cases, CNAs may qualify due to meeting equivalency requirements. Below are more specifics on how to earn CNA certification.

Online CNA Classes in California

If you are interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California, you may be wondering if you can complete your training online. The answer is yes, but only partially. Many of the providers that offer CNA programs in the state also offer online classes as a part of the program, but you will still need to attend in-person classes and clinical hours to adhere to the education requirements outlined by the California Board of Nursing.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), CNA programs in the state must include at least 60 hours of in-class instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical/laboratory training. These programs prepare you to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which is required to obtain your CNA certification in California.

However, some of the in-class instruction can be done online, depending on the provider. This can give you more flexibility and convenience, especially if you have other commitments or live far from the campus. Online classes typically cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, infection control, nutrition, communication skills, and ethics. You will need to have access to a computer and an internet connection to participate in these classes.

To help you find the best CNA programs that offer online classes in California, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular and reputable options:

  • Academy of Health Careers Inc: This is a state approved school for Nurse Assistant Training Program in Clovis, California. It offers online classes with flexible schedules and clinical hours in the Greater Bakersfield Area. The program can be completed in 6 or 7 weeks, depending on the chosen route. The tuition fee is $2,500, which includes textbooks, workbooks, skills DVD, and instructor site access.
  • Atrium School: This is a school that offers online Nurse Assistant Training Program in Torrance, California. The program is a 27-day course, 7-8 hours per day Monday to Friday. The theory consists of 17 modules and has to be finished in 8 days. Tuition is $1,800, but does not include extra fees like textbooks, workbooks, and exam fees.
  • CAL ACE Nursing Academy: This is an academy that offers online Nurse Assistant Training Program in San Jose, California. The program is a 6 or 7-week course, depending on the chosen route. The theory consists of 60 modules and has to be finished in 8 days. The modules can be completed in any order. The tuition fee is $2,000, which includes textbooks, workbooks, and online training modules.
  • Comfort Paradise Training Institute: This is an institute that offers online Nurse Assistant Training Program in Los Angeles, California. The program is a 5-week course, 8 hours per day Monday to Friday. The theory consists of 17 modules and has to be finished in 8 days. The modules must be completed in order. The tuition fee is $2,500, which includes textbooks, workbooks, and skills DVD.

California CNA Certification Requirements

It is not hard to locate a state-approved program in California; there is a high demand for CNAs, so there are hundreds of programs available in the state. However, some requirements must be met in order to begin a CNA program:

  • The prospective candidate must have graduated from high school
  • They must be at least 16 years old
  • They must have a criminal background clearance
  • They must have up-to-date immunization records
  • They must have negative TB/drug tests
  • They must have a physical exam report prepared by a physician

California Classes and Testing Costs

It is necessary to pass a state-approved program in order to qualify as a CNA. The cost of these programs may vary. Some adult education centers and nursing homes may provide CNA classes. There are also programs with available financial aid and reasonable payment plans for students who qualify for financial assistance. Employers may be able to sponsor classes or reimburse students who have paid for the cost of a CNA program. Program fees do not typically cover supplies such as textbooks, uniforms, or required tools. The fees for a program may range from $450 to $1900.

Pre-certification learning must include a minimum of 160 hours of class-time. At least 60 hours of learning must go towards teaching and classroom experience. Six of those hours must be dedicated to learning about mental disorders such as cerebral palsy and dementia. The other 100 hours must be spent under the supervision and guidance of a registered nurse. These hours must be spent accumulating clinical experience. Here is a list of other CNA California classes.

CNA Classes and Nurse Aide Courses in California

If becoming a CNA in California sounds like an excellent career choice, the options listed below may suit your schedule and needs. It is a good idea to contact these establishments directly regarding tuition costs or specifics. Some programs may be at a reduced cost; others may charge tuition fees.

Training ProgramCityZip CodePhone
DreamboundEntire USAn/a832-862-5659
College of AlamedaAlameda, CA94501510-522-7221
Platt CollegeAlhambra, CA91803626-300-5444
North Orange County ROPAnaheim, CA92801714-502-5800
American Career CollegeAnaheim, CA92801714-763-9066
West Coast UniversityAnaheim, CA92802714-782-1700
Coast Health Educational CenterAnaheim, CA92804714-776-8405
Pass InstituteAntioch, CA94531925-754-2879
Angeles InstituteArtesia, CA90701562-531-4100
Kash Career CollegeAuburn, CA956030
Bakersfield Adult School .Bakersfield, CA93307661-835-1855
Cellan Central Valley CollegeBakersfield, CA93301661-861-0877
Vena Health Education InstituteBakersfield, CA93301661-861-0877
Preferred College-NursingBakersfield, CA93301661-324-2509
Beaumont Adult SchoolBeaumont, CA92223951-845-6012
Nightingale Healthcare Professionals LlcBerkeley, CA94710510-553-1800
Berkeley Adult SchoolBerkeley, CA94702510-644-6130
Niles CollegeBurlingame, CA94010650-212-3100
Serenity Nursing School, IncCanoga Park, CA91303818-963-8345
Atrium School Inc.Carson, CA90746310-251-5965
Atrium School Inc.Carson, CA90746310-251-5965
Butte County Career Technical Education CenterChico, CA95928530-879-7462
Eastlake Medical College CNA & CPR School of NursingChula Vista, CA91914619-591-9358
San Diego Medical College CNA SchoolChula Vista, CA91914619-942-8274
Southwestern CollegeChula Vista, CA91910619-421-6700
Chula Vista Adult SchoolChula Vista, CA91911619-796-7000
Clovis Adult SchoolClovis, CA93611559-327-2800
Mt. Diablo Adult EducationConcord, CA94518925-685-7340
Orange Coast CollegeCosta Mesa, CA92626714-432-5072
Coastline Regional Occupation ProgramCosta Mesa, CA92626714-979-1955
Pacific CollegeCosta Mesa, CA92626714-662-4402
College of the RedwoodsCrescent City, CA95531707-465-2300
West Los Angeles CollegeCulver City, CA90230310-287-4200
Nurses' Development Center, Inc.Cypress, CA90630562-403-2115
Northern California Nursing Academy, NCNADaly City, CA94015650-992-6262
Davis Adult & Community Education SchoolDavis, CA95616530-757-5380
Delano Adult School (will be open on August 12)Delano, CA93215661-720-4171
North Kern Vocational TrainingDelano, CA93215661-758-3045
Dinuba Adult SchoolDinuba, CA93618559-596-2066
Grossmont CollegeEl Cajon, CA92020619-644-7000
Western Medical Training CenterEl Cajon, CA92021619-241-9931
Western Medical Training CenterEl Cajon, CA92021619-241-9931
Regan Career InstituteEl Monte, CA91731626-455-0312
Southcal Educational InstituteEl Monte, CA91731626-575-8580
Kash Career CollegeElk Grove, CA95758916-392-1022
AdvantageMedCare Solutions LLCElk Grove, CA95758916-226-3023
Northbay Nursing InstituteFairfield, CA94533707-399-9456
Innovative Healthcare ConsultantsFallbrook, CA92028760-731-1334
Eastlake Medical College CNA & CPR School of NursingFontana, CA92336909-428-6402
Mission Valley ROPFremont, CA94538510-657-1865
Medical Career CollegeFremont, CA94538510-445-0319
Medical Career CollegeFremont, CA94538510-445-0319
Central Unified School DistrictFresno, CA93722559-274-4700
Golden Living Training CenterFresno, CA93711559-430-3901
Central Learning Adult/Alternative School Site - CLASSFresno, CA93722559-276-5230
Nursing Assistant Training Academy FresnoFresno, CA93726559-277-3369
Horizon Health & Subacute CenterFresno, CA93720559-321-0883
Clovis Community CollegeFresno, CA93730559-325-5200
Fresno City CollegeFresno, CA93741559-442-4600
Duncan Polytechnical High SchoolFresno, CA93726559-248-7080
WestMed College - Fresno, CaliforniaFresno, CA93720559-256-4980
California Career InstituteGarden Grove, CA92841714-539-5959
Gerthill Homecare and Allied Health ServicesGardena, CA90247424-329-3030
Trinity School of Health and Allied SciencesGardena, CA90248310-834-3065
Glendale Community CollegeGlendale, CA91208818-240-1000
AmhsGlendale, CA91204818-637-7871
Chabot CollegeHayward, CA94545510-723-6600
Acclaim EducationHayward, CA94545888-309-5318
Golden West CollegeHuntington Beach, CA92647714-892-7711
A-Technical CollegeHuntington Park, CA90255323-585-9000
Certified Nursing Assistant SchoolsIndio, CA92201760-863-3000
YAYA Medical Training InstituteInglewood, CA90302310-404-6827
College of MarinKentfield, CA94904415-457-8811
Valley School of NursingLake Balboa, CA91406818-206-5254
St. Joseph's School of NursingLancaster, CA93534661-726-5060
West Hills College LemooreLemoore, CA93245559-925-3000
Trident School of NursingLong Beach, CA90806562-253-0094
Los Angeles Trade Technical College - LATTCLos Angeles, CA90015213-763-7000
Maxine Waters Employment Preparation CenterLos Angeles, CA90059323-357-7700
American Career CollegeLos Angeles, CA90004323-668-7555
Career Development Institute, Inc.Los Angeles, CA90035310-559-0225
East Los Angeles Skills CenterLos Angeles, CA90031213-241-4791
Eastside Learning CenterLos Angeles, CA90022213-241-4791
Educate SimplifyLos Angeles, CA90010888-327-0003
Educate SimplifyLos Angeles, CA90010888-327-0003
East Los Angeles Occupational CenterLos Angeles, CA90033323-276-7000
H&R HealthCare SchoolLos Angeles, CA90045310-466-1867
PROMED CAREER INSTITUTELos Angeles, CA90029323-570-4127
Zero-Max Career InstituteLos Angeles, CA90029323-570-4127
Westchester College Of Nursing And Allied HealthLos Angeles, CA90045310-981-9644
West Coast UniversityLos Angeles, CA90004866-508-2684
Angeles CollegeLos Angeles, CA90010213-487-2211
University of California, Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA90095310-825-4321
American Medical CareersLos Angeles, CA90010213-387-8900
American Medical CareersLos Angeles, CA90010213-387-8900
CET NursingLos Angeles, CA90005213-381-2500
Los Angeles City CollegeLos Angeles, CA90029323-953-4000
Certified Nursing Assistant SchoolsLos Angeles, CA90007213-477-2500
Merced CollegeLos Banos, CA93635209-384-6000
St. Francis Career CollegeLynwood, CA90262888-219-5781
Madera Adult SchoolMadera, CA93637559-675-4425
Menifee Valley CampusMenifee, CA92584951-672-6752
MJ Nursing Assistant Training Institute MercedMerced, CA95340209-233-9854
Avalon Training CenterMerced, CA95348209-384-8839
Merced CollegeMerced, CA95348209-384-6000
Professional Career Development CenterMontebello, CA90640562-698-8301
Moorpark CollegeMoorpark, CA93021805-378-1400
Trinity Health AcademyMurrieta, CA92562951-677-7767
The Nurse AcademyNational City, CA91950619-488-3460
San Diego Medical College CNA School & CPR TrainingNational City, CA91950619-271-0700
National City AdultNational City, CA91950619-336-9400
National City AdultNational City, CA91950619-336-9400
Critical Care Training CenterNorth Hollywood, CA91606818-766-1111
Critical Care Training CenterNorth Hollywood, CA91606818-766-1111
COMPUTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYNorth Hollywood, CA91606818-980-0415
Granada Hills School of NursingNorthridge, CA91324818-477-2292
Healthcare Career CenterNorwalk, CA90650562-868-0946
Nightingale Healthcare ProfessionalsOakland, CA94621510-553-1800
Laney CollegeOakland, CA94607510-834-5740
Project HeartbeatOakland, CA94621510-452-1100
Quest Nursing Education CenterOakland, CA94607510-452-1444
CNA Nurse Assistant Training Classes Ontario CaOntario, CA91764951-394-8881
Allegiance Career InstituteOrange, CA92868714-941-9138
Butte CollegeOroville, CA95965530-895-2511
Ventura Training InstituteOxnard, CA93030805-385-5485
Desert Valley Nursing InstitutePalm Desert, CA92260760-935-3864
Best American Healthcare University Palm SpringsPalm Springs, CA92262951-637-8332
Calif. Nurses Educational InstPalm Springs, CA92264760-416-5955
Calif. Nurses Educational InstPalm Springs, CA92264760-416-5955
National Career CollegePanorama City, CA91402818-988-2300
CNA Acute CarePanorama City, CA91402818-334-8943
St. Jude Nursing SchoolPanorama City, CA91402818-892-6141
Healthcare Career CollegeParamount, CA90723562-804-1239
Healthcare Career CollegeParamount, CA90723562-804-1239
Integrity College of HealthPasadena, CA91104626-808-0215
Integrity College of HealthPasadena, CA91104626-808-0215
Advanced Medical School of NursingPittsburg, CA94565925-432-4980
Pittsburg Adult EducationPittsburg, CA94565925-473-2400
Health Career CollegePleasant Hill, CA94523925-687-9668
Quality Elderly CarePleasanton, CA94588925-353-1740
Cordoba Medical InstituteRancho Cordova, CA95670916-701-2025
Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa RopRedlands, CA92374909-793-3115
Reedley CollegeReedley, CA93654559-638-0300
Annenberg School of NursingReseda, CA91335818-757-4431
Southern California Health InstituteReseda, CA91335818-980-8990
Home Health Aide ClassesReseda, CA91335818-206-5254
Dignity College of HealthcareRiverside, CA925060
Destiny Career AcademyRiverside, CA92506951-682-4322
Mission Career CollegeRiverside, CA92503951-688-7411
Mission Career CollegeRiverside, CA92503951-688-7411
North Bay CNA Training ProgramRohnert Park, CA94928707-304-4131
North Bay CNA Training ProgramRohnert Park, CA94928707-304-4131
ST InstituteRosemead, CA91770626-572-7231
CenterPointe Learning Institute SACRAMENTOSacramento, CA95823916-662-0408
Quality Care Health FoundationSacramento, CA95816916-441-6400
Careway Health InstituteSacramento, CA95834916-913-1827
Kash Career CollegeSacramento, CA95825916-978-0700
Sunrise School of NursingSacramento, CA95827916-903-7247
American River College...Sacramento, CA95841916-484-8011
Charles A Jones Career and Education CenterSacramento, CA95824916-395-5800
Curam College of NursingSacramento, CA95823916-427-4400
Horizons College of Health Sciences, LLCSacramento, CA95834916-929-6963
Central Coast CollegeSalinas, CA93901831-424-6767
Avalon Training CenterSan Andreas, CA95249209-754-4122
Summit CollegeSan Bernardino, CA92408888-504-2552
San Bernardino Valley CollegeSan Bernardino, CA92410909-384-4400
California Medical CollegeSan Diego, CA92108858-357-8800
National UniversitySan Diego, CA92123800-628-8648
National UniversitySan Diego, CA92123800-628-8648
PhlebotomyU Phlebotomy Training & CertificationSan Diego, CA92108619-294-2192
Ashford UniversitySan Diego, CA92123866-711-1700
Pacific Health Educational CenterSan Diego, CA92121858-658-0362
San Diego Medical College CNA SchoolSan Diego, CA92121619-942-8274
Southwestern College Higher Education Center at Otay MesaSan Diego, CA92154619-216-6750
California College San DiegoSan Diego, CA92111619-293-0190
Fast Track Medical Training CenterSan Diego, CA92120858-228-7564
San Diego Community College DistrictSan Diego, CA92108619-388-6500
SanDiego Continuing EducationSan Diego, CA92113619-388-4956
Cesar E. Chavez Campus - San Diego Continuing EducationSan Diego, CA92113619-388-1910
San Diego City CollegeSan Diego, CA92101619-388-3400
San Diego Miramar CollegeSan Diego, CA92126619-388-7800
San Ysidro Adult SchoolSan Diego, CA92154619-428-7200
City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA94112415-239-3000
Irish Help At HomeSan Francisco, CA94116415-759-0520
Hayes Convalescent HospitalSan Francisco, CA94117415-931-8806
San Francisco Campus for Jewish LivingSan Francisco, CA94112415-334-2500
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco, CA94132415-338-1111
HomebridgeSan Francisco, CA94103415-255-2079
Oxman CollegeSan Francisco, CA94118800-249-5661
University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA94115415-353-7800
Mt. San Jacinto CollegeSan Jacinto, CA92583951-487-6752
San Jose CPR CertificationSan Jose, CA95126408-724-9985
Evergreen Valley CollegeSan Jose, CA95135408-274-7900
South Bay School of NursingSan Jose, CA95131408-564-7242
VIP Nursing SchoolSan Leandro, CA94578510-481-0240
Cornerstone International College - San LeandroSan Leandro, CA94578510-488-4770
Contra Costa CollegeSan Pablo, CA94806510-235-7800
Qbics Career CollegeSanta Ana, CA92701866-663-8107
Nurse Builders AcademySanta Clara, CA95050408-970-5025
Mission CollegeSanta Clara, CA95054408-855-5007
Northern California Regional Testing CenterSanta Clara, CA95054408-855-5203
Santa Cruz Adult SchoolSanta Cruz, CA95062831-429-3966
Medical Allied Career Center Inc.Santa Fe Springs, CA90670562-807-2420
Grossmont Health Occupations CenterSantee, CA92071619-956-4300
Selma Adult SchoolSelma, CA93662559-898-6590
Simi Institute for Careers & EducationSimi Valley, CA93065805-579-6200
Technical CollegeSouth Gate, CA90280213-255-3061
Lake Tahoe Community CollegeSouth Lake Tahoe, CA96150530-541-4660
Unitek College South San Francisco CampusSouth San Francisco, CA94080855-811-6191
Temecula Valley School of NursingTemecula, CA92590951-296-2588
Southern California Regional Occupational CenterTorrance, CA90501310-224-4200
Homestead Schools, IncTorrance, CA90505310-791-9975
Solano School of NursingVallejo, CA94591707-557-7173
CNA Nurse Assistant Training Classes Ontario CaVan Nuys, CA91401818-947-2600
A+ Health Care TrainingVan Nuys, CA91411818-387-6844
Los Angeles Valley CollegeVan Nuys, CA91401818-947-2600
Trinity School of NursingVentura, CA93003805-654-1500
Victor Valley CollegeVictorville, CA92395760-245-4271
Visalia Adult SchoolVisalia, CA93292559-730-7646
Healthcare Academy of CaliforniaVista, CA92081760-232-4050
Hillendale Home CareWalnut Creek, CA94597925-933-8181
Mt. San Antonio CollegeWalnut, CA91789909-274-7500
North Kern Vocational TrainingWasco, CA93280661-758-3045
Monsbey CollegeWatsonville, CA95076831-786-0531
East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program and Technical CenterWest Covina, CA91790626-472-5101
PMCI: School of NursingWestlake Village, CA91361805-497-4064
NIU COLLEGE-PHLEBOTOMY-CNAWestminster, CA92683888-474-6116
Los Angeles Harbor CollegeWilmington, CA90744310-233-4000
West Valley Occupational CenterWoodland Hills, CA91367818-346-3540
NIU CollegeWoodland Hills, CA91367818-960-6685
College of the SiskiyousYreka, CA96097530-842-1245

CNA Programs in Los Angeles

We’ve outlined some of the best providers of CNA classes in Los Angeles. The following are some of the largest and most popular training providers in Los Angeles:

American Medical Careers: This is a five-week program that passes the state requirements for CNA certification. The program includes classroom learning, hands-on learning, and supervised work. A 75% score is required to pass the program. The cost of the program is $2221, but financial aid is provided to qualifying students.

West LA College: This is a nine-week program that helps prospective CNAs earn certification and prepare for the state examination. There is an emphasis on infection control, safety, physical care, and emotional support. Students must commit to attending all the classes in the program. The program also has several prerequisites for entry. Tuition is $46 per unit for California residents.

Angeles College: This is a six-week program that is divided into the classroom, laboratory, and clinical care experience. At least 50 hours of the program are spent in the classroom and 114 hours are spent gathering hands-on experience. Though most classes are held Monday through Wednesday, evening and weekend schedules are available. Tuition for the program is $1900 and includes books and equipment.

CNA Classes in Los Angeles: Detailed information about in-person, hybrid, and online CNA classes in Los Angeles.

CNA Programs in San Francisco

California Nurses Institute: This program qualifies graduates for certification and for the state exam given by the Red Cross. Schedules are flexible and weekend schedules are available. Courses in English or Spanish are available.

Learn more about CNA classes in San Francisco.

CNA Programs in San Diego

San Diego Continuing Education: This establishment offers 260 to a 300 hour-long program. Tuition is reduced for California residents, but students would do well to budget at least $350 for equipment and textbooks. Students must attend an orientation session. Some reading proficiency must be demonstrated before entering the program. Patient rights and emergency care are covered in the program.

CNA Classes in San Diego: Every CNA program in the San Diego regional area is listed on this site.

Additional California CNA Resources

To contact the Licensing and Certification Division of the California Department of Public Health, click this link. Or, write to the following address:

Aide and Technician Certification Section
Certification Unit
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7416
Phone: (916) 558-1784

Out of State CNAs

Out-of-state CNAs can obtain a license to work in California. The following steps should be taken:

  • Visit the Department of Health and download an application
  • Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
  • Submit active CNA certification
  • Submit proof that you have worked in your home state for at least 2 years
  • Submit a CDPH 931 form

Renewal

California requires that CNAs get their licenses renewed every two years. 48 hours of in-service classes and at least one day of paid service are required to maintain active status. If these standards cannot be met, you may need to apply for clearance from the Aide and Technician Certification Section.

How Much Does a CNA Make in California?

CNA salaries may vary due to location and facilities. CNAs with particular skill sets and experience may earn a larger salary in California. According to the latest Bureau of Labor and Statistics on average, the hourly pay for a CNA in California is $20.95, or a yearly salary of $43,570. Top-earning CNAs in California can make up to $56,910 per year or an hourly wage of $27.36 per hour.